Deutsche Telekom to launch integrated search

Sven Weissenfels

Deutsche Telekom plans to launch a comprehensive integrated search and discovery system as part of its Entertain TV offering next year, according to Sven Weissenfels, senior expert at content partnering at the operator, speaking on a panel session at MIPCOM this morning. Weissenfels also said that Deutsche Telekom is to launch Netflix on its set-top boxes imminently.

Weissenfels said Telekom would introduce an integrated search facility across all on-demand and linear offerings next year. “This is just one step and there is more to come,” he said. “We are trying to offer a ‘one and only’ search to our customers and give our customers the opportunity to find what they are looking for.”

Weissenfels said that TV is seen by the operator as a way to keep customers and that the company sought out good partners to give the service appeal, including in the area of on-demand services. “We need a commercial deal that works with both parties,” he said. He cited the example of Netflix, which Telekom is going to launch on its platform “this week or next”, he said. “The decision was taken that we want to be part of the new world,” he said.